Downtown on display for Sanford 2nd Sunday

The streets in downtown Sanford are expected to be filled this coming Sunday when a monthly street fair returns for the second time.

There are 24 vendors and several activities scheduled for the upcoming Sanford 2nd Sunday — lasting from noon to 4 p.m. — including live music and a local brewery, according to David Nestor, a local real estate agent who's organized the event.

"We wanted to create an atmosphere that is walkable as well as entertaining while you shop," Nestor said. "Our downtown has more to offer than what most people realize."

This is the second monthly event they've held, and Nestor said they'll continue in November, take a short winter hiatus and come back in the spring. The first event in September, he said, was a booming success.

Dana Atkins, owner of The Red Sofa and Added Accents, both in downtown, said they had a bigger crowd than expected during the last event, and they're expecting a large crowd this weekend.

"We had a lot of people coming into the restaurant throughout the entire time, so we are very happy and excited about this Sunday," she said.

Carolyn Spivey, executive director of Coalition for Families, said Books at a Steal had one of its more successful days during last month's event. Coalition for Families and the Lee County Partnership for Children own the nonprofit bookstore, which is selling its books for $1 each this coming Sunday.

"It's a great way to highlight different stores, and help people discover something they've never had or seen before," she said.

These types of events are important to the community because they bring in new visitors and new business, said Sanford Mayor Cornelia Olive, and it provides a service to the local shopper.

"The first one was a lot of fun, and we drew people from all around the area," Olive said. "There was a lot of variety in what was there, and I met some new people and enjoyed some conversation."

There have been other cities and towns, including nearby Pittsboro, that have held similar events in their downtown areas, said Downtown Sanford Inc. Executive Director David Montgomery.

"It brings people who may not normally come to downtown, and gives them a chance to see what we have to offer," he said.

For more information about the event or to learn how to become a vendor, visit: www.sanford2ndsundaync.weebly.com